I just came back from a trip to Costa Rica. While enjoying nature there, I gathered many lessons that can apply to leadership. Today I want to share what I learned from the commonly called Blue-Jean frog, which is one of the most conspicuous of the Costa Rican frogs.
The Costa Rican Strawberry Poison-dart Frog has a brightly colored red head and back. The hind legs and the lower half of the front limbs are marked with bright blue or purple spots on a black background; hence, the nickname, blue-jeans frog.
While taking a walk deep in the forest over suspended bridges, our guide showed us this diminutive, yet loud fellow. He explained that while most frogs are nocturnal, and try to blend with their environment and hide, this is one is diurnal, and wants to attract attention. It’s as if through color, voice, and day habits it’s screaming: look at me!
When I asked why does it want to call attention to itself, I was informed that the frog’s bright colors warn off predators because the colors signal the toxicity they have in their skin, for which the Poison-dart is named.
I have known leaders that, like the Blue-Jean frog, are always calling attention to themselves. They feel they’re the only ones that can do things right. Any time the achievements of others are mentioned, they have to brag about theirs. They make a lot of noise and many times don’t show as much action. As a result, they create a toxic environment around them. Even if they are bright, people fear them, and keep their distance. It’s difficult for them to get creative collaboration.
What about you? Are you the type of leader that likes to call people’s attention to yourself, or do you prefer to blend in the background and let other’s shine? Maybe you need to stop and think what message you send with your “color” and your “voice.”
Remember. . .
You don't need to call, look at me! As a leader, your actions, and your influence are more important and should speak for themselves.
Photo by: Jay Iwasaki